When attending to the scene of an accident to provide first aid there are several potential hazards to bear in mind. Safety for yourself and others is paramount in these situations. Managing hazards in an emergency requires careful attention and quick thinking.
Here are a few potential hazards and ways of managing them:
Traffic: If the accident has occurred on a road, ongoing traffic can pose a risk to both rescuers and casualties. If safe to do so, use hazard lights, reflective triangles, or flares to alert oncoming traffic. Ensure you park your vehicle in a safe place before assisting and wear high visibility clothing.
Fire or explosion: Vehicles, electrical lines, or industrial equipment involved in the accident might pose a risk of fire or explosion. Do not approach the scene if there is immediate danger of fire or explosion. Call the emergency services and await their arrival.
Chemical hazards: These could include spilt fuel, chemical cargo, or other hazardous materials present at the scene. Avoid contact with any unidentified liquids or substances. If hazardous materials are involved, notify emergency services, as they have specialised training and equipment for dealing with these situations.
Structural instability: If a building or other structure was damaged in the accident, there might be a risk of collapse or falling debris. If a structure is unstable, avoid entering it. If possible, help casualties move to a safer location until professional rescuers arrive.
Sharp objects: Broken glass, fragments of metal, or other sharp objects might cause injury. Where possible, clear any sharp objects without putting yourself at risk. Use sturdy gloves if available.
Biological hazards: These might include exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, which poses a risk of infection. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if possible, such as gloves and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
Electric shock: If the accident involves power lines or electrical equipment, there might be a risk of electric shock. Do not touch anyone who is in contact with a live electrical source. Turn off the power if you can do so safely and alert emergency services to the electrical hazard.
Weather: Extreme heat or cold, rain, snow, or other weather conditions could create additional risks. In extreme weather, try to move the casualty to a sheltered area if it is safe to do so. In hot weather, try to cool the person down. In cold weather, try to keep them warm.
Emotional stress: Individuals at the scene might be in shock, panicked, or aggressive. It’s important to handle these situations with care. Try to reassure and calm casualties and bystanders. Keep them informed about what is happening and that help is on the way.
Crowds: There might be bystanders wishing to help, potentially creating more hazards. Having too many people involved can cause confusion and make it harder to safely manage the scene. If there are too many people around, ask them to give you space. Designate tasks if they want to help, like calling emergency services, guiding traffic, etc.
Remember, your safety is paramount. Never put yourself in a situation where you could become a casualty yourself. Before you approach, ensure it is safe to do so. If you are uncertain, contact and wait for the emergency services.